Prepared by Messenger Staff
Germany Warns Georgia Over Human Rights Backsliding and European Path
The German Embassy in Georgia has expressed deep concern over the country's human rights situation, warning that Tbilisi is moving away from its European aspirations. The statement comes after the UN Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review session on January 26.
"Membership in an international organization carries with it obligations," the embassy said. "Georgia is violating its international obligations and, unfortunately for us, is moving further and further away from its European aspirations."
Germany highlighted the rapid deterioration of freedoms of assembly, association, and expression, pointing to repressive legislation and the abuse of administrative and criminal measures. "There is serious concern that there is no accountability for violent attacks on demonstrators and journalists," the statement said.
The embassy urged Georgian authorities to address these issues, calling on them to "investigate reports of excessive use of force against demonstrators, including torture and ill-treatment by the police, and ensure access to justice, compensation, and rehabilitation for victims." It also recommended that Georgia "remove obstacles to civil society activities, including by repealing or amending the so-called Foreign Influence Transparency Law, the Foreign Agents Registration Law, and amendments to the Grants Law," as well as review laws on assemblies, broadcasting, and freedom of speech.
Germany stressed that adherence to international human rights standards is crucial for Georgia's credibility and progress toward European integration.
Papuashvili Condemns MEP Gahler's 'Moscow Creatures' Comment on Georgian Dream Leaders
MEP Michael Gahler sparked controversy by describing Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, and their associates as "Moscow creatures," urging them to leave the country to allow the Georgian people to pursue a European path. In a post on social media, Gahler wrote, "The Moscow creatures Ivanishvili, Kobakhidze, and their associates must leave the country and allow the great majority of the Georgian people to continue on their path toward a European Georgia, not a Soviet-style Georgia."
The statement drew a swift response from Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who condemned the language as dehumanizing and damaging to the image of Georgia. "The use of such stupid, dehumanizing language does not belittle the leaders of Georgia, but smears the country that this politician represents," Papuashvili wrote on social media.
He added that the issue could be resolved with a simple apology and the deletion of the post.
